The ultimatum given by Supreme Court to demolish the four apartment buildings in Kochi built violating CRZ (coastal regulation zone) norms ended on Friday. While the buildings are still standing strong without being demolished, Chief Secretary of the state Tom Jose, on Friday filed an affidavit in the SC stating that the government has no intention to violate the apex court orders and is committed to implementing it.
Supreme Court in its ultimatum had stated that the four apartments – Alfa Serene, Golden Kayaloram, H2O Holy Faith and Jains Coral Cove – should be demolished by Friday and the chief secretary of the state should submit a report on the demolition and also present himself at the apex court on Monday.
The chief secretary, in his affidavit, also stated that he ‘tenders unqualified apology for any aspect which the court construes not to be in accordance with its order’.
The Supreme Court, while giving an ultimatum in the case, had come down heavily on the government for not implementing its order. In the affidavit, Chief Secretary pointed out the efforts and measures taken by the state government to comply with the SC order.
From the study report on environmental assessment of demolition prepared by experts from IIT Madras, to measures initiated by the Ernakulam district administration to rehabilitate the residents, each move taken by the government is stressed in the affidavit.
Pointing out the practical difficulties and intricacies of implementing the demolition, Chief Secretary stated that “Maradu municipality is a densely populated area with about 3,619 people per square kilometre. Two national highways –NH 47 and NH 47 (A) pass through this area. There is a public school, a masjid and a 200-year-old market and more than hundred other dwellings units in the area,” it states.
The chief secretary also stated that there are difficulties even for the proper disposal of waste after demolition. “Without proper study and planning, if the entire structure is demolished in one go, it will result in larger ecological disaster seriously prejudicing the inhabitants and environment of even the nearby places,” the affidavit states.
He also stated that the departments concerned lack expertise required for the demolition process as it is the first such instance of this magnitude.
By detailing every action of the state government, Chief Secretary Tom Jose also requested the SC to exempt him from personally appearing in the court on Monday.
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